2023-2024 Artist-in-Residence Application

Residency Timeframe: Sep 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024
Hours: Flexible, to be determined in collaboration with Director of Worship & the Arts
Compensation: $8,000-$10,000, paid bi-monthly, plus allowance for cost of materials
About the Residency
Since 2018, Westminster Presbyterian Church has partnered annually with a local artist in a
Residency program that aims to find new and creative ways to deepen the congregation’s
experience of faith and connection to one another and the community. Artists of all mediums
and disciplines are encouraged to apply. We actively seek a diverse representation of peoples
and faith backgrounds as we explore and encourage spiritual development in our community.
Each residency is uniquely shaped as a collaboration between the artist and a vast intersection
of Westminster’s community, including but not limited to: Sunday/Wednesday worship; Adult
Education; Families, Youth, and Children (FYC); Social Justice ministries; and Congregational
Care ministries. Previous artists have led the congregation in drumming circles, poetry
workshops, community art projects, worship in unexpected places, and scripture embodiment
through acting. To see examples of past Artists-in-Residence, visit:
westminstermpls.org/grow/artist-in-residence
Although each residency runs from September through May, our hope is that the end of each
engagement marks the beginning of a lasting relationship between the artist and the
Westminster community.
About Westminster
Westminster is an engaged, urban congregation worshipping in the heart of downtown
Minneapolis. Serving as a telling presence in the city since 1857, Westminster is known for its
stirring worship services, commitment to justice, and passion for the arts.

Westminster is also known for its world-class art collection. The Westminster Gallery exhibits
and collects religious and secular art representing diverse ethnic and cultural traditions. Started
in 2002, Westminster’s collection features work from both regional and nationally known artists
who demonstrate the connection between art and how it informs our faith.
Westminster’s music ministries are equally as rich. The church features two organs and a
contemporary concert space, completed in 2018, recognized for its acoustical and design
qualities and housing Westminster’s new Performing Arts Series.
Responsibilities and Expectations:
• Artistic offerings and collaboration in worship:
o Participation in worship across services (Sundays at 8:30am and 10:30am,
Wednesdays at 6pm). The frequency and nature of this presence depends on the
art form and is discussed prior to the start of the residency.
o Occasional participation in other special services or events as requested
• Community-building through the arts:
o Help build momentum around the arts at Westminster through collaboration
with the Arts staff and connection with congregation members
o Lead a series of workshops or other creative events geared toward Westminster
members
o Interact with Westminster ministry groups (e.g. Faith in Action, Adult Education,
Youth Group, etc.)
o Make connections to the broader community through artistic outreach
• Administrative duties
o Write 1-2 articles for the Westminster News
o Attend 1-2 Staff meetings across the year and check in regularly with supervisor
• Space use
o Westminster will provide practice, performance, and teaching space use during
the year of residency; scheduling must be coordinated in advance
o Parking is accessible free of charge during building hours

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Interested applicants should submit the following materials to Kenneth Vigne, kvigne@wpc-
mpls.org. Applications will be considered beginning May 10, 2023.

• A CV or Resume, including contact information for three references
• A cover letter discussing your interest and qualifications for this position, as well as
some ideas or examples of what you would hope to do during your residency. Please
include any resources Westminster would need to provide for your residency to be
successful.

• A small sample that represents the body of your work
Applicants are encouraged to tour the church and visit worship either in person or virtually.
Strong applications show an understanding of Westminster’s mission and provide specific
examples on how the applicant’s art form can enhance the worshipping lives of the
congregation. Please reach out to Kenneth Vigne at [email protected] for more
information.